In Parshas Va’eschanan, we encounter the famous pasuk that we recite daily – Vea’havta es Hashem Elokecha – the imperative to love G-d with all our heart and soul. How can Hashem demand that we love Him? One can force another to act in a certain manner, but we cannot demand that one experience an emotion that is detached from one’s volition or will. How, then, can the love of G-d be included as a positive commandment?
Rav Baruch Halevi Epstein in Tosefes Bracha offers an explanation based on a Gemara in Yoma 86a. Perhaps, for this very reason, that one cannot force an emotional response, the Gemara interprets this mitzvah as requiring action. The Gemara derives from this pasuk that we are to act in a way that would make Hashem beloved in the eyes of others. If one conducts himself in an honest and straightforward manner, others will recognize that such a pious person is acting in accordance with the precepts of the Torah, and it will increase their respect for and admiration of Hashem.
In a similar manner, we are instructed to fear our parents - איש אמו ואביו תיראו - rather than to merely love them. The command is formulated so as to instruct us how to act, such as providing them with food, not to sit in their seat, rather than how to feel. Perhaps that is why Hillel interprets the pasuk of “Love your neighbor” ואהבת לרעך כמוך, as don’t act towards others in a way that you would despise others acting towards you. מה ששנוא עליך אל תעשה לרעך. When the simple formulation in the Torah relates to an emotion, it is often “converted” into actions that must be taken or avoided.
Rabbi Norman Lamm offers an alternative explanation in his sefer, Drashot L’Dorot. Citing the Sefas Emes, Rabbi Lamm posits that if the Torah commands one to “love” G-d, then a deep and abiding love for G-d and Torah must be ingrained in every Jewish heart. Sometimes that emotion needs a spark to ignite it, but it is present, albeit dormant at times.
The story is told of the famous sculptor Michelangelo, who created a statue of Moses. A bystander, amazed at the work of art, commented on how incredible it was that he created an image of Moses from a solid piece of stone. Michelangelo replied that his task was simple. He saw the image of Moses beneath the stone, and all he did was chip away at the stone to disclose the figure. Similarly, at times, we need to spark or uncover our inner feelings and emotions. Today, psychologists adopt a similar technique. Rather than forcing an idea on a child, they encourage educators to empower the child to arrive at the conclusion from within.
As we celebrate Shabbos Nachamu, being comforted after mourning the destruction of our Beis Hamikdash, may we internalize these messages. First, to always conduct ourselves in a manner that is mekadesh Shem Shamayim, and also to uncover the inner emotion of love of our Creator for ourselves and others.
RABBI SHOLOM ROSNER
